Mount Rushmore National Memorial in December
December at Mount Rushmore National Memorial averages a daytime high near 37°F and an overnight low around 20°F, with about 0.5" of precipitation and roughly 7" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes December a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 20°F
- Average high
- 37°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 79°F
- Precipitation
- 0.5 in
- Snowfall
- 7 in
- Daylight
- 8.7 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in December: about 25,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (3×) and the January low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 1/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 28°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 63% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 8.7 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,905,649 recreation visits, up 3% from 1,850,329 in 2024.
How December compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 44°F / 27°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| December | 37°F / 20°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 1 Poor |
| January | 37°F / 19°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
All twelve months at Mount Rushmore, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
December averages a daytime high near 37°F and an overnight low around 20°F at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with about 0.5 inches of precipitation and roughly 7 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
December is very quiet at Mount Rushmore National Memorial (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 1/100. Our recommended month is September. December draws about 14% of the visits Mount Rushmore sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around December.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. December sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical December sees about 25,000 recreation visits at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Mount Rushmore in December
Booking a December trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live December availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Mount Rushmore
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Mount Rushmore in December?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Mount Rushmore by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in December.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.